LCCI sues for peace, reconciliation, rebuilding

By Charles Okonji

Concerned about the malicious loss of lives, property and livelihoods emanating from the subsequent regrettable events following the recent peaceful “EndSARS” protests across the country, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has called on the general public and the relevant authorities for peace, reconciliation and rebuilding of the country.

The President, LCCI, Toki Mabogunje (Mrs), who made this known in a statement made available to The Nation lamented the unprecedented levels of destruction, plundering, arson, looting and vandalisation that took place nationwide.

Sympathising with the families of all those who lost loved ones during and in the aftermath of the protests, Mabogunje said “We share the pain of all investors: Micro, Small, Medium and Large that suffered losses as a result of the arson, looting and the destruction of their valuable fixed and moveable assets. We share the grave concern of employees who are at the risk of losing their jobs as a result of these deplorable and debilitating incidents. We empathise with the Lagos State government over the wanton destruction of public properties around the state.

“We also empathise with the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and the entire indigenes of the state over the regrettable desecration of an important and treasured symbol of Lagos heritage, culture and tradition.”

She called on all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and constructive engagement, stressing the need to embrace in the governance process the norms and ideals of the democratic process, rule of law, transparency and accountability in political governance, and citizen engagement, among others.

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The LCCI President said, “The Federal and Lagos state governments should collaborate to provide support (in the form of grants) to all the victims of the unfortunate outcomes of the protest and the subsequent attacks and destruction of properties and assets. That the families of all those who lost their loved ones should be adequately compensated. The Federal Government should come to the aid of the Lagos State Government to rebuild the large number of assets that were destroyed by the hoodlums that hijacked the protest. This has become necessary in view of the current challenging economic conditions that the state was already grappling with.

“The banks to which some of the victims were indebted should demonstrate uncommon compassion towards them in respect of their indebtedness. As corporate and individual citizens, this is the time to demonstrate our culture of compassion in being our brother’s keeper by supporting, in our various ways, the victims of this unfortunate incident. We note the setting up of the Judicial Panels of Inquiry in various states to investigate the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident with a view to avoiding a repeat of such occurrences in the future. We urge all citizens that may have suffered from all forms of police brutality and injustice to cooperate with the Lagos State Government to bring about restitution and some form of closure on these very unfortunate incidences. We believe there are lessons to be learnt by all concerned protesters, the government, security agencies and citizens.”